Faced with growing health concerns – and tired of his clothes no longer fitting – Dallas Council Member Dwaine Caraway announced Thursday that he’s undertaking a major effort to improve his health.

Caraway – larger than life, in personality and stature – said he’s become increasingly aware of his growing paunch and the problems that could follow. He said he's the heaviest he’s ever been, and a step on the scale made it appear he was over 275 pounds.

The council member – who’s not shy about his affinity for Rudy’s Chicken and other diet-busting foods – said it was time to make a serious commitment that might inspire others.

“I want to challenge every city employee,” Caraway said. “I want to challenge every citizen of our city. … I would like to seriously put out this challenge, so that we can all become more fit.”

Caraway’s public test provides a big boost to City Manager A.C. Gonzalez’s nascent push to improve city employees’ health. Gonzalez, as part of a staff shakeup, said that assistant city manager Forest Turner would assume the new job of chief wellness officer.

“We have the opportunity … to be making millions of dollars of savings possible,” said Gonzalez, who’s seen noticeable progress in his own health over the last several months. “Even better than that, making a big difference in the quality of life of our employees.”

Some council members, such as Vonciel Jones Hill, have expressed skepticism at Gonzalez’s plan and whether it will pay off. But Caraway said it was the “right call,” adding that benefits could be immense.

Caraway said he will be working with a trainer every day. He’s teaming with University General Hospital at Dallas to get on a better diet. And though he didn’t set a specific weight goal, he said one of his main aims was to get back into some of his favorite suits.

But from here on out, Caraway said, that sort of food will be out of his diet.

“If you see me in the chicken line, tell me to get out,” he said. “ If you see me in the grocery store and see in my basket some chips and salsa and stuff you know I don’t need, tell me to go put it back on the shelf.”